Digital Commons Network^™

Intercultural Communication, William E. Biernatzki S.J.

Communication Research Trends

No abstract provided.

Observing The Abundance Of Avian Families In Different Layers Of Lowland Floodplain Rainforest At Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Peru, Claire Costello, Melissa Curth, Andre Vu

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This research project aims to observe the abundance and diversity of avian families and subfamilies in the Peruvian Amazon basin at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica at Madre de Dios, Peru by performing bird surveys, fixed-radius point counts, and placing down camera traps. Over a one-week period, we will observe species of the floodplain understory and canopy to observe niche separation and specialization. In addition, we hope to see species of conservation concern and ecological importance, such as the endemic black-faced cotinga and the pale-winged trumpeter, along with indicator species, to analyze the health of the rainforest near Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica.

Seasonal And Environmental Influences On Snake Captures In Northern Indiana, Skye La Rosa, Nicholas Sekits, Sara Ruane

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Midwestern snake populations have been declining, yet, snakes are challenging to capture and study due to their cryptic nature. We examined how the time of sampling, coverboard type, and temperature influenced the capture rates and sizes of Common Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) and Dekay’s Brownsnakes (Storeria dekayi). We deployed coverboards (rubber or carpet) at 20 sites across northern Indiana and found that T. sirtalis captures peaked in July and August, and both species had smaller sizes in August. Coverboard type had no significant effect. These findings provide insight into snake ecology, particularly seasonal patterns, and habitat preferences, informing future conservation efforts.

Investigating The Impacts Of Xbp1s Overexpression In Oligodendrocyte Progentior Cells In A Remylinating Mouse Model Of Multiple Sclerosis, Grace E. Newell, Kody Ellen Bruce

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that results in

the targeted destruction of myelinated axons within the central nervous system (CNS). Remyelination restores neuronal function

and prevents axonal degeneration, but remyelination is either incomplete or inconsistent in MS. Efforts to re-populate remyelinating oligodendrocytes will therefore advance reparative therapeutics for MS. Remyelinating oligodendrocytes develop and function in the presence of inflammatory environment in MS. It has been shown that inflammation diminishes the capacity of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to develop into mature oligodendrocytes and remyelinate demyelinated lesions. In addition, inflammation induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is one of the …

Telehealth In Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Pre- And Post-Covid 19 Analysis, Sydney Kiana Shimizu

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift from in-person substance use disorder (SUD) treatment to virtual telehealth (TH) visits, creating opportunities to assess the impact of virtual visits on SUD treatment.

Methods: This study utilized retrospective, de-identified, electronic health record (EHR) data from Oracle EHR Real-World Data to examine the impact of TH on SUD treatment. Patients with a qualifying SUD diagnosis from 141 U.S. health systems were included and divided into pre-TH (January 1, 2017 through January 1, 2019) and COVID (January 1, 2020 through January 1, 2022) cohorts. This study analyzed TH utilization, medications for SUD …

Comparing Human Skeletal Collections At Loyola University Chicago: Impacts On Education And Research, Stella Riehl

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Collections of human skeletal remains reflect a long history of exploitation and marginalization, issues that body donation seeks to alleviate. Through comparing remains purchased from biological supply companies in the 1960-70’s by Loyola’s Anthropology Department with skeletons from the National Body Donor Program, I aim to explore whether differences impact education and research. Age at death and sex were estimated for 36 skeletons; present pathological conditions were noted. Results indicate that donor skeletons are significantly older with more chronic conditions. However, both collections display the inextricable links between lived experiences and disease processes. Emphasizing each individual’s history is essential.

Be Here For Fair Trade, Adelisa Pelinkovic, Kathleen Kuzmich, Alina Ansari, Amelia Gatti, Emma Graves, Autumn Meyers, Ethan Patel

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Our project explores the development of a strategic marketing mix for Chicago Fair Trade Day, an annual event promoting ethical consumerism and sustainable business practices. Through this approach, we seek to drive up attendance, boost sales for fair trade vendors, and reinforce Chicago's role as a leader in ethical trade. The findings from this project will offer insights into effectively marketing fair trade initiatives and fostering consumer advocacy for sustainable commerce.

A Voice For The Most Vulnerable: Child Victims, Megan Nowezki

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation will dive into risk factors, misconceptions, and varying definitions of child maltreatment. Over the past 3 months, I have worked alongside investigators at DCFS, where I have aided in the process of investigating cases and providing services to victims and families. I hope that by the end of this presentation, people will have a deeper understanding of successful intervention methods and recognize the importance of reporting suspected abuse. Finally, I hope to inspire everyone to reflect on their current outlook on this topic and ensure that their actions and beliefs do not contribute to society's tolerance of abuse.

Tobramycin Resistance Is Less Likely To Evolve Under Nitrogen Limitation., Anja Hofmeier

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

I am investigating whether nutrient-limited environments impact the evolution of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli. We evolved E. coli for 24 days in nitrogen- or carbon-limited environments with and without tobramycin. Nitrogen-limited populations were less likely to evolve antibiotic resistance as many went extinct before day 24. Growth curves for the evolved and ancestral populations showed that tobramycin-resistant populations grew more slowly than the ancestor in the absence of antibiotics. I also conducted fitness assays to evaluate the competitive ability of the evolved populations compared to their ancestor.

Motorola Solutions Foundation Cybersecurity Experiential Scholarship Program, Sloan Luckie, Kelly Mccabe, Alexis Fenderson, Nika Primus, Nancy Rojas, Bridget Gorman

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation includes the recipients of the Motorola Solutions cybersecurity scholarship. It also includes a summary of the program and the competitions recipients participated in.

Hinduism Through The Ages, Pranathi Peddinti

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation will explore the overall trends in Hinduism from the Early Vedic Age to the modern day. Expert interviews, peer-reviewed scientific articles, and primary resources were used to gather data and make connections. The focus of this presentation is the changes in the Hindu population’s growth, immigration patterns, and practices. This experience has led to a deeper understanding of Hinduism overall, its evolution, and what the future may hold.

Stressors In Urban Ecosystems: Assessing The Challenges & Contributions Of Bee Populations In Chicago, Caitlyn Smith, Reagan Potts, Kyle Alioto

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation will evaluate the challenges that Chicago bee populations face from pesticide use and habitat fragmentation, including how urban spaces can foster pollinator populations. This presentation will also estimate the contribution of bee pollination services in Cook County as a rationale for policy recommendations. Over the course of the spring semester, we worked in a group of three students to review relevant literature, collect data, and perform a policy analysis. Through this experience, we deepened our understanding of urban bee ecology, the importance of urban planning, and community engagement.

Constitutional Loopholes To Freedom: Information Control In China, Audrey Nolen

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

My project, “Constitutional Loopholes to Freedom: Information Control in China,”explores how the leadership structure of China’s information control apparatus evolved from the Hu Jintao era to the Xi Jinping era—and what these shifts reveal about the Chinese Communist Party’s changing political priorities.

Eco 309 Eco. Theory Of The Left, Anwar Shaikh Phd

Archives of Anwar Shaikh

This collection includes:

• A syllabus for Economics 309S titled Crisis theories and political programs of the U.S. left (Spring 1982).

• Moody, K. (1979–1980). World economy: The crisis of the 1980s. Changes: Socialist Monthly, 1(11–12), 27–32.

• Moody, K. (1980). Reindustrialization: The fad in your future. Changes: Socialist Monthly, 2(10), 9–17.

• The text of a speech given by Maryon Gray for the Sojourner Truth Organization titled Current debates within STO (December 12, 1981).

• Handwritten notes titled A note on profit-squeeze theories, including notes on Bowles, Gordon, and Weisskopf (December 13, 1982).

• Publication lists titled Literature of the Revolutionary Communist Party, …

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Comments On Ch 5 And Letter By Sasan, Anwar Shaikh Phd

Archives of Anwar Shaikh

This collection includes:

• Handwritten notes titled Comments on ch 5: MR (January 13, 1985).

• A letter from Sasan discussing his dissertation chapters (December 5, 1983).

Della Protein And Cbl-Cipk Signaling Pathway As Candidates For Genetic Engineering, Nathan F. Surles

ATU Scholars Symposium

No abstract provided.

An Analysis On The Time Effectiveness Of Speeding While Driving A Vehicle, Joy Skaggs

ATU Scholars Symposium

Speeding is responsible for roughly a third of all crashes, often coming at a deadly cost. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports many negative consequences, such as a greater likelihood of loss of vehicle control, reduced protection equipment effectiveness, increased stopping distance, crash severity, and fuel consumption (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, n.d.). Yet despite these costs, drivers continue to speed. In fact, in our fast paced world, speeding is so normalized that it’s uncommon to encounter a driver following the speed limit. Hawaiian psychology professor Leon James explains it best: people have twisted their definitions of speeding to …

Pros And Cons Of Preservation Treatments, Buzz Powell

Local Transportation Asset Management Conference

No abstract provided.

Madison County, Indiana - A Case Study In Asset Management Planning, Craig M. Parks, Jessica Bastin

Local Transportation Asset Management Conference

Many local governments are developing asset management plans to qualify for Community Crossings funding, however, the staff at Madison County Engineering Team had a goal to dive deeper and gain a thorough understanding of the funding gap that exists for them to achieve the desired level of service on their transportation system. Using AI for data collection and a unique pavement preservation optimization tool, the County partnered with Avenew, Inc. to identify their system needs and develop holistic approach to manage their assets.

From Crisis To Cohesion: How Different Disasters Influence Community Solidarity, Skyler Pack

ATU Scholars Symposium

Disasters, whether natural, like hurricanes and tornadoes, or human-made, like industrial accidents and terrorist attacks can bring people together, but not always in the same way. This study explores how different types of disasters affect community solidarity and collective action. Specifically, it asks: How do community solidarity and collective action differ in response to natural versus human-made disasters?

To answer this question, the study will use interviews with adults who have personally experienced a disaster. Participants from different backgrounds will share their experiences, helping to identify common patterns in how communities come together (or don’t) after a crisis. The study …

The Hidden Cost Of Intelligence: Environmental Impacts And The Rise Of Green Ai Solutions, Hayin Tamut

ATU Scholars Symposium

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed industries and daily life, but beneath its advancements lies a growing environmental concern. This paper explores the often-overlooked ecological footprint of AI technologies, focusing on real-world data and tangible impacts. Notably, training OpenAI’s GPT-3 model alone consumed approximately 1,287 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity—equivalent to the annual consumption of over 120 U.S. homes—and emitted 500 metric tons of CO₂, comparable to driving 112 gasoline-powered cars for a year.

Furthermore, the environmental cost extends beyond electricity consumption. Data centers powering AI require vast amounts of water for cooling, contributing to local water shortages—highlighted …

Detecting Ideological Bias In Trump's Tweets: Trump's Peace Plan As A Case Study, Amer Qasem Dr

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aims to explore the extent of ideological bias in the discourse of elected U.S. President Donald Trump on social media platforms, specifically Twitter (now known as X), regarding his peace plan, commonly referred to as the "Deal of the Century." The study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine all of Trump’s tweets related to the Deal of the Century, seeking to answer the following research questions: How did Trump portray the parties affected by the deal in his tweets? What rhetorical strategies did he employ to present the deal? The analysis spans the period from the announcement …

The Use Of Artificial Intelligence Applications By Media Students In Palestinian Universities And Their Achieved Gratifications “A Field Study”, Said Shaheen Allani Dr, Ahmad Al Sallaq

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

The study aimed to identify the extent to which media students in Palestinian universities use artificial intelligence applications and the achieved gratifications from it. The study belongs to the descriptive studies approach utilizing questionnaire as a tool for collecting data, for an available sample of (165) individuals that were distributed in five Palestinian universities. The study reached to; (54.5%) of media students in Palestinian universities use artificial intelligence applications, they use it for several reasons, the most important phrase is “it helps me to produce good digital content,” with a relative weight of (47.4%), it also achieves a number of …

Media Frameworks In Addressing Environmental Issues On Al Jazeera Net Website: An Analytical Study, Sabah Al Harahsheh Dr

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to recognize the media frameworks used to address environmental issues on (Al Jazeera Net) between 2009 and 2024. The study relied on the descriptive survey method, the theory of media frames, and the content analysis as a method and tool. The study population consisted of all articles, reports and interviews published on the (Al Jazeera Net) throughout the period specified by the study. A purposive sample was selected from the articles, reports and interviews interested in environmental issues only, which numbered eighteen journalistic works. The study identified the most important frameworks that presented the environmental issues during …

The Mediating Role Of Remote Communication On The Relationship Between Electronic Human Resource Management Practices And Organizational Performance In Iraqi Commercial Banks, Shuhub Basel Ahmad Taqa

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to measure the impact of remote communication as a mediating variable on the relationship between electronic human resources (e-HRM) and organizational performance in Iraqi commercial banks. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, with the study population consisting of managers, their deputies, and department heads in Iraqi commercial banks, totaling 242 individuals distributed across 24 commercial banks by the end of 2023. A total of 234 questionnaires were analyzed, achieving a response rate of 96.7%. The study employed Smart PLS software for data analysis and result extraction. The study revealed several key findings, the most significant of which …

Graphfocus: Adaptive Training Strategies To Counter Over- Globalization In Graph Transformers

Defensive Publications Series

As Transformers become more popular for graph machine learning, a significant issue has recently been observed. Their global attention mechanisms tend to overemphasize distant vertices, leading to the phenomenon of "over-globalising." This phenomenon often results in the dilution of essential local information, particularly in graphs where local neighbourhoods carry significant predictive power. Existing methods often struggle with rigidity in their local processing, where tightly coupled operations limit flexibility and adaptability in diverse graph structures. Additionally, these methods can overlook critical structural nuances, resulting in an incomplete integration of local and global contexts. This paper addresses these issues by proposing GraphFocus, …

Unizyme A Unified Protein Cleavage Site Predictor Enhanced With Enzyme Active-Site Knowledge

Defensive Publications Series

Enzyme-catalyzed protein cleavage is essential for many biological functions. Accurate predic tion of cleavage sites can facilitate various appli cations such as drug development, enzyme de sign, and a deeper understanding of biologica mechanisms. However, most existing models are restricted to an individual enzyme, which ne glects shared knowledge of enzymes and fails generalize to novel enzymes. Thus, we introduce a unified protein cleavage site predictor named UniZyme, which can generalize across diverse enzymes. To enhance the enzyme encoding for the protein cleavage site prediction, UniZyme em ploys a novel biochemically-informed model ar chitecture along with active-site knowledge of pro …

Trustworthy Distributed Traffic Prediction Through Gnn

Defensive Publications Series

Traffic prediction is of great importance for the development of intelligent transportation system (ITS), including travel time estimation (TTE), route recovery and road condition analysis. Most previous works model both road network and vehicle trajectory by learn ing their spatio-temporal characteristics to conduct traffic prediction. Among them, graph neural networ (GNN) has become a popular option for graph-structured traffic data. How ever, there are still two key issues for trustworthy distributed traffic prediction in real-world location-based services, i.e., data sparsity and privacy protection. In this thesis, we aim to solve the above two issues through GNN. For the first issue …

Structural Bias In Three-Dimensional Autoregressive Generative Machine Learning Of Organic Molecules

Defensive Publications Series

A diverse range of generative machine learn ing models for the design of novel molecules and materials have been proposed in recent years. Models that are able to generate three dimensional structures are particularly suitable for quantum chemistry workflows, enabling di rect property prediction. The performance of generative models is typically assessed based on their ability to produce high rates of novel, valid, and unique molecules. However, equally important is the ability of generative models to learn the prevalence of functional groups and certain chemical moieties in the underly ing training data, that is, to faithfully repro duce the chemical …

Probabilistic Graph Circuits Deep Generative Models For Tractable Probabilistic Inference Over Graphs

Defensive Publications Series

Deep generative models (DGMs) have recently demonstrated remarkable success in capturing complex probability distributions over graphs. Al though their excellent performance is attributed to powerful and scalable deep neural networks, it is, at the same time, exactly the presence of these highly non-linear transformations that makes DGMs intractable. Indeed, despite representing probability distributions, intractable DGMs deny probabilistic foundations by their inability to answer even the most basic inference queries with out approximations or design choices specific to a very narrow range of queries. To address this limitation, we propose probabilistic graph circuits (PGCs), a framework of tractable DGMs that provide …